Skip Counting or memorize multiplication?

I am using Saxon Math 3 this year with my two daughters in 3rd grade. It uses skip counting. They grasp the concept, but take forever to figure out the multiplication answers. They also make mistakes when skip counting, if they count by themselves and then get answers wrong based on the wrong counting. I am wondering what other people do to teach this now-a-days? Thanks in advance.

They grasp the concept, but take forever to figure out the multiplication answers. They also make mistakes when skip counting, if they count by themselves and then get answers wrong based on the wrong counting.

Those are the same two reasons why I abandoned skip counting and moved towards drilling strategies for multiplication facts.

I agree that memorizing multiplication facts is the way to go. But, they do also need to know how to do basic skip counting (2s, 5s, 10s) and that can help with math as well. I remember memorizing all of my multiplication facts (up to 12) when I was in 3rd grade.

We do both. I was taught with just skip counting, my dh was drilled. I found both to be a little lacking. We start with skip counting, which gives them a solid understanding of what they are doing with multiplication. Then once they are comfortable with skip counting with all the basics (2,3,4,5,7, and 10 forwards and backwards), then we start drills with the multiplication facts. I'm finding my kids are very comfortable playing with numbers.

I will do both plus show the concept with manipulatives. We already are working on skip counting in kindergarten. She knows her 2s, 5s, 10s and 25s to 100. I plan on eventually showing the concept with cuisenaire rods and working more with skip counting relating to multiplication. Once they really understand what multiplication is I wouldn't mind them memorizing it.